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*Travel Wish List: Ultimate European Grand Tour

During the regency period in England, the upper classes, mainly gentlemen because women weren't really allowed to do anything outside of the home and sewing, went on epic grand tours of Europe which were basically raucous gap years (yes, years) for rich, aristocratic sons. While the grand tours of the regency ended at the start of the napoleonic war, the idea of the grand tour is something I find compelling and sparks my wanderlust. My idea of an epic grand tour would have to include the following countries:

Vienna, Austria

I've been lucky enough to go on about seven cruises around Europe including 15+ countries but there are quite a few that I haven't been able to visit either as they don't have a coastline or aren't on the itineraries of cruise lines. One of those countries is Austria, in particular the capital Vienna, which is famous for some of it's sons, daughters and residents including Sigmund Freud, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, among others. Vienna is also home to a rich history, stunningly beautiful buildings including various palaces such as Schonbrunn, Hofburg and the Belvedere palaces and mouth watering Sachertorte.

Warsaw, Poland

An Eastern European city on my list is the capital of Poland, Warsaw. I feel as though Eastern European countries are slightly overlooked or thought of as similar eastern block countries but they have their own history, gorgeous architecture and culture. Warsaw's Old Town, home to the Royal Castle, looks like it's been conjured up by the Grimm brothers!

Reykjavik, Iceland

Now a country close to the edge of the Eurasian continent, Iceland and it's most famous city (and one of the most difficult to spell), Reykjavik. It's the largest city in Iceland and it's situated on the shores of Faxa Bay. Reykjavik is not only home to one of the worlds most uniquely designed churches but also near the Krysuvik geothermal area, Videy Island and the Árbær Open Air Museum. I think Reykjavik would make an amazing alternative and unique hen party destination as there are so many things to see and do in Reykjavik.

All of the cities in this post, apart from Venice are new to me but Venice is a city that I visited around five or six years ago. I visited very little of Venice at the time so there are a number of sights that I still need to visit such as Saint Marks Square, Doge's Palace, Saint Mark Basilica and the colourful island of Burano which is located in the gorgeous Venetian lagoon. To me, Venice is such a magical, mysterious and intriguing city and one of my favourites within Italy.

Moscow, Russia

I've visited the gorgeous city of Saint Petersburg but I'd absolutely love to visit Moscow and it's not just because I'm reminded of Russia almost every day due to the world cup. One of the most famous Russian landmarks is Red Square, the Kremlin and Saint Basil's Cathedral which are all located together along with the more macabre attraction of Lenin's tomb - I'd want to see that too!

Hamburg, Germany

Last but not least is a city that I might be visiting next month, Hamburg. I haven't been to Germany despite having to learn the basics of the German language for three years in secondary school. Hamburg is a major port city within Germany and is home to St. Michaelis church which was originally built in 1641 and boasts an amazing view of the city from it's 106 metre high tower. Additionally within Hamburg's old town resides the city hall and is close to Mönckebergstraße, the main shopping street in the city.

The days of ostentatious grand tours are over but now more affordable travel is available; however if you want to experience some of the luxury of the grand tours you can opt for an empty leg flight with Vistajet. Empty leg flights are a new concept to me, they consist of a private jet flying without passengers for one leg of the journey. For example, the plane can take you to your destination but it will return without any passengers, hence the 'empty' in empty leg flights or it can fly to your designation empty and pick up passengers at their location. Luxury empty leg flights are perfect options for flying to harder to reach destinations or leisurely flights without the hassle of economy/scheduled flights.

Have you visited any of these destinations? Would you consider empty leg flights as a travel option?

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